HC Deb 27 July 1943 vol 391 cc1372-3
30. Mr. Astor

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the distribution of newspapers, including those papers specially produced for the troops, has often been unsatisfactory in North Africa; who is responsible for the distribution of papers, and whether he will inquire into this question?

Sir J. Grigg

The military authorities in North Africa are responsible for the distribution of all newspapers. I can assure my hon. Friend that they appreciate the need for providing as many as possible, and have shown great enterprise in providing what papers they can for the troops with the very limited transport available to forward areas.

Mr. Astor

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while excellent papers are being produced, the system for distributing them to troops in the forward areas has not been satisfactory? Will he look into the matter?

Sir J. Grigg

I did look into it on the spot, and I cannot accept the statement of my hon. Friend that the system of distribution is not now satisfactory. It is, of course, always difficult to get enough paper to produce sufficient copies.

Mr. Turton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the last 18 months this question of the distribution of newspapers has been carried out first by the Signals Corps, then by the Welfare Branch, then by the R.A.S.C., and then by the Ordnance Corps? Does that not show a certain amount of confusion?

Sir J. Grigg

I do not think that it shows anything except that continual efforts are being made to improve distribution.

Major John Morrison

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that among the troops there is considerable feeling that they get their news very late?

Sir J. Grigg

I think my information is more up to date than that of my hon. and gallant Friend, and I am not aware of any such thing.

Sir I. Albery

Which system was in force when my right hon. Friend visited North Africa?

Sir J. Grigg

The latest one.

Sir I. Albery

Which was that?